Description
A ground-breaking graphic novel sharing the stories of Yindjibarndi Creation-times in an immediate and engaging way for a contemporary audience.
Yindjibarndi believe all creation is written in our landscape and was sung long ago, filling our Ngurra (Country) with sacred meanings and deep religious significance. At the dawn of time, Ngurra Nyujunggamu, the world was soft as clay and the sky was very low. Our Creator, Minkala, sang the songs from which all life and Ngurra evolved. These are some of our stories.
Our grandmothers and grandfathers sing our songs and tell our stories every day, just like our old people long ago sang songs and told stories to their children.
And now we are sharing them with you.
Dynamically illustrated by Alex Mankiewicz with striking artwork by members of the Juluwarlu Art Group, When the World Was Soft is a powerful gift of culture for young and old.
Review
This unique graphic novel shares with us the importance of stories and art to the Yindjibarndi people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia. It is told through the passing down of the stories and lessons that have shaped their belief that all creation has been written in our landscape.
This is a collection of traditional cultural stories in graphic novel format highlights their significance in an innovative and informative way, and the unique illustrations and artwork add to the flow of the stories being told.
The stories include: Creation; Wedgetailed Eagle, Crow and Black Kite; The Stoneman, Pelican and Quail; Fallen; and Barrimirndi (Sea Serpent).
The addition of the English translated words accompanying the Indigenous words also helps the reader appreciate the stories, and there is a glossary at the back of the book that can be referenced as well.
With themes of creation, relationships, family, and First Nations culture, history and laws for living, this graphic novel will appeal to all secondary students.
Reviewed by Sam
